Anti-clog suction tip apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/596,036, filed Aug. 27, 2012, which '036 applicationpublished as U.S. patent application publication no. 2013/0053828, andwhich '036 application is a continuation of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to, international patent application PCT/US12/52413,filed in English on Aug. 25, 2012 and designating the United States,which international patent application is a nonprovisional of, andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each of U.S. provisionalpatent application 61/527,123, filed Aug. 25, 2011, and U.S. provisionalpatent application 61/614,915, filed Mar. 23, 2012; and which '036application is a nonprovisional of, and separately claims priority under35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each of U.S. provisional patent application61/527,123, filed Aug. 25, 2011, and U.S. provisional patent application61/614,915, filed Mar. 23, 2012. The foregoing patent applications fromwhich priority is claimed, any application publications thereof, and anypatents issuing therefrom are incorporated by reference herein.Moreover, the disclosures of the provisional patent applications arecontained in the Appendix attached hereto, which Appendix isincorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to suction tips for use duringsurgical procedures for the removal of biological debris, such as blood,tissue, and the like, from a surgical site of a patient. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to suction tips withanti-clogging capabilities for removing biological debris lodged withinthe suction tips. It is believed that a need exists for improvement insurgical suction tips. This, and other needs, are addressed by one ormore aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of vacuum removal of biological debris in a surgicalenvironment, the present invention is not limited to use only in vacuumremoval of biological debris in a surgical environment, as will becomeapparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions ofaspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an anti-clogsuction tip apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a suctiontip assembly, including a suction tip having a suction opening at afirst end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachmentportion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, andan ejection wire channel; and an ejection wire assembly, including anejection wire disposed within the channel and an ejection buttonintegral with or otherwise connected to the ejection wire. Furthermore,applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wirethrough the ejection wire channel such that an end portion of theejection wire enters the suction tip. Additionally, the end portion ofthe ejection wire entering the suction tip expels or dislodges debris inthe suction tip through the suction opening.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the end portion of theejection wire includes a ball tip.

In another feature, the suction tip assembly includes a handle.

In still another feature, the suction tip assembly includes a vacuumtunnel opening.

In yet another feature, the ejection wire is inserted into the ejectionwire channel through a wire insertion opening.

In a variation of this feature, wire insertion opening is threaded.

In still another feature, the ejection wire assembly further comprisesan inner member disposed between the ejection wire and the ejectionbutton, an outer member partially surrounding the inner member, and abiasing spring.

In a variation of this feature, the outer member is threaded.

In another variation, the biasing spring biases the ejection button awayfrom the outer member.

In yet another feature, when dislodging debris in the suction opening,the end portion of the ejection wire preferably does not extend morethan 3 millimeters beyond the suction opening. In alternate variationsof this feature, the ejection wire does extend more than 3 millimeters.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an anti-clog suctiontip apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a suction tip, aninterior of the suction tip defining a suction channel for the removalof debris through suction; and an ejection wire assembly removablyattachable to the suction tip and transitionable between a retractedposition and an advanced position. Furthermore, in the refractedposition, the ejection wire assembly is not disposed within the suctionchannel, and in the advanced position, the ejection wire assembly is atleast partially disposed within the suction channel.

In a feature of this aspect, the ejection wire assembly extends withinan area of the suction channel in which a clog exists for dislodging andclearing the clog. The ejection wire assembly may extend to and througha suction opening of the suction tip for dislodging a clog in thesuction tip.

In another aspect of the invention, an anti-clog suction tip apparatuscomprises a suction tip, an interior of the suction tip defining asuction channel for the removal of debris through suction; and means forclearing debris that clogs the suction tip (which “means for” languageis intended to invoke §112, ¶6).

In another aspect, an anti-clog suction tip apparatus comprises asuction tip assembly; and an ejection assembly for ejecting debris whenthe suction tip becomes clogged.

In another aspect of the invention, an eco-friendly system comprises ananti-clog suction tip apparatus formed from single-use disposablecomponents for use with a body which, when combined with the body, formthe anti-clog suction tip apparatus. The body is reusable afterautoclaving for sterilization.

In another aspect, a kit comprises disposable components for use with abody of an anti-clog suction tip apparatus which, when combined with thebody, form an anti-clog suction tip apparatus. In this respect, at leastthe body is reusable, and additional components of the anti-clog suctiontip apparatus that are not part of the kit also are reusable. The bodyand reusable parts preferably are autoclaved before reuse.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of clearingbiological debris from a surgical site. An exemplary such methodincludes providing a suction tip apparatus, including an interiordefining a suction channel, an ejection wire not disposed within thesuction channel, and an ejection button; attaching the suction tipapparatus to a suction source; activating the suction source to create avacuum force in the suction tip apparatus; placing the suction tipapparatus near the debris; causing the vacuum force to pull the debrisinto the suction tip apparatus; applying force to the ejection button,causing a tip of the ejection wire to enter the suction channel; anddislodging, via the tip of the ejection wire, debris clogging thesuction channel.

Additional aspects of the present invention include apparatus andmethods for dislodging biological debris clogged in a suction tip, assubstantially shown and described herein and in the drawings. Additionalfeatures thereof are also shown an described herein and in the drawings.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a preferredanti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 in accordance with one or moreaspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the anti-clogsuction tip apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, wherein the ejection wire assemblyis shown in an advanced position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a suction tipassembly shown as part of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a top view of the suction tipassembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of thesuction tip assembly of FIG. 3 taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of a side view of the ejection wireassembly shown as part of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 of FIG.1, wherein the ejection wire assembly is shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 6b is a schematic illustration of a side view of the ejection wireassembly shown as part of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 of FIG.1, wherein the ejection wire assembly is shown in an advanced position.

FIGS. 7-16 schematically illustrate another preferred anti-clog suctiontip apparatus 310, and components thereof, in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 7-16 schematically illustrate another preferred anti-clog suctiontip apparatus 310, and components thereof, in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 17-25 schematically illustrate another preferred anti-clog suctiontip apparatus 410, and components thereof, in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrate the packaging of disposable slider, spring, stylet,and tip, with respect to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 17-25.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate steps of assembling the apparatus 410 using thedisposable components of FIG. 26.

FIGS. 31-43 schematically illustrate another preferred anti-clog suctiontip apparatus 510, and components thereof, in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention.

FIG. 44 illustrate the packaging of a disposable stylet with integralscrew cap and tip, with respect to the preferred embodiment of FIGS.31-43.

FIGS. 45-48 illustrate steps of assembling the apparatus 510 using thedisposable components of FIG. 44.

FIG. 49 illustrates contemplated relative size relations between thethree bodies 322,422,522.

FIG. 50 schematically illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of ananti-clog suction tip apparatus 610 in accordance with one or moreaspects of the invention, shown being held in hand for use by ahealthcare professional.

FIG. 51 schematically illustrates a top view of the apparatus 610 ofFIG. 50.

FIG. 52 schematically illustrates a side elevational view of theapparatus 610 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus610 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 54 schematically illustrates a back elevational view of theapparatus 610 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 55 schematically illustrates in cross-section a side elevationalview of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50, wherein the ejection wire assemblyis not deployed.

FIG. 56 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of the distal end ofthe suction tip of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 55, showing the location ofthe tip of the ejection wire assembly received completely within theejection wire channel.

FIG. 57 schematically illustrates in cross-section a side elevationalview of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50, wherein the ejection wire assemblyis deployed.

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of the distal end ofthe suction tip of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 57, showing the location ofthe tip of the ejection wire assembly extending from the ejection wirechannel, through the suction channel, and out of the suction opening.

FIG. 59 schematically illustrates a perspective rear view, incross-section, of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50.

FIG. 60 schematically illustrates a perspective front view, incross-section, of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 in the United States, noclaim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutoryprovision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” isactually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provisionis intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention. FIG. 2 is aside view of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. Theapparatus 10 is generally comprised of a suction tip assembly 12 and aejection wire assembly 14. FIG. 3 is a side view of the suction tipassembly 12 without the ejection wire assembly 14, and FIG. 4 is a topplan view of the suction tip assembly 12 of FIG. 3. Conversely, FIGS. 6aand 6b each includes a side view of the ejection wire assembly 14without the suction tip assembly 12. FIG. 6a shows the ejection wireassembly in a retracted position, and FIG. 6b shows the ejection wireassembly in an advanced or extended position.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 2-4, the suction tip assembly 12includes a suction tip 16 having a suction opening 18 at a distal endthereof and a hose attachment portion 20 at a proximal end thereof. Theanti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 is adapted to attach to a hose at thehose attachment portion, with the hose having a suction source attachedthereto. Suction applied through the hose is directed via a suctionchannel 17 through the suction tip assembly 12 to the suction opening 18of the suction tip 16, whereby the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 isuseful during surgical procedures for the removal of blood, tissue, andthe like, from a surgical site.

The suction tip assembly 12 further includes a handle 22 and an ejectionwire conduit 24 that defines at least a portion of an ejection wirechannel 25 extending along the suction tip 16. Preferably, at least aportion of the ejection wire conduit 24 extends in abutment with thesuction tip 16 and may be integrally formed therewith, or separatelyformed and adhered or otherwise attached to the suction tip 16. Theejection wire channel 25 preferably extends from a wire insertionopening 26 located on the handle 22 to a wire exit opening 28 of theejection wire conduit 24 at the suction tip 16 proximate the suctionopening 18. FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional viewof the suction tip assembly 12 taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3 andshows the ejection wire channel 25 in relation to the suction channel 17of the suction tip 16.

In at least one preferred embodiment, the wire insertion opening 26 is athreaded opening. Furthermore, in at least one preferred embodiment, thehandle 22 includes a vacuum tunnel opening 29. Covering the vacuumtunnel opening 29 during use of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10increases the vacuum pressure exerted at the suction opening 18.

As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 6a and 6b , the ejection wire assembly 14comprises an ejection wire 30, an outer member 32, an inner member 33,an ejection button 34 (also sometimes referred to as a ‘tab’), and abiasing spring 36. In one or more preferred embodiments, the ejectionwire 30 comprises a semi-rigid cable extending from the inner member 33.The ejection wire 30 includes a small ball tip 38 at the end thereof toprevent unintended injury during use.

Furthermore, a first end of the inner member 33 preferably is integrallyformed with the ejection button 34 and a second end of the inner member33 is attached to the ejection wire 30. The outer member 32 alsoencompasses at least a portion the inner member 33 (shown in dottedlines), and the biasing spring 36 encircles a portion of the innermember 33 and is configured to bias the ejection button 34 away from theouter member 32 toward the retracted position shown in FIG. 6 a.

In some alternative embodiments, the ejection button is formedseparately from and is connected to the ejection wire by an inner memberor other element.

As seen best in FIG. 6b , assuming the outer member 32 is immobile, asforce is applied to the ejection button 34, the ejection button 34, theinner member 33, and the ejection wire 30 advance in the direction ofthe applied force and the biasing spring 36 contracts. Upon removal ofthe force, the biasing spring 36 returns to its relaxed position,forcing the ejection button 34, the inner member 33 and the ejectionwire 30 back to the retracted position of FIG. 6 a.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the ejection wire assembly 14 is shownthreadably attached to the suction tip assembly 12 and in a retracedposition. To affix to the ejection wire assembly 14 to the suction tipassembly 12, the ejection wire 30 is first inserted into the wireinsertion opening 26 on the handle. Next, the ejection wire 30 is slidforward to occupy the ejection wire channel 25. Preferably, only uponfull insertion of the ejection wire 30 into the ejection wire channel 25can the outer member 32 be threadably secured to the cable insertionopening 26 in the handle 22.

As discussed previously with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b , the ejectionwire assembly 14 is placed in an advanced position by applying force tothe ejection button 34. As force is applied, the ejection wire 30 movesforward. When the ejection wire 30 is advanced forward, the ball tip 38passes through the wire exit opening 28 into the suction tip 16 anddislodges any biological debris clogging the suction tip 16, such asblood, tissue, and the like, to unclog the suction tip 16. Such debrismay be expelled through the through the suction opening 18. In at leastone preferred embodiment, the ball tip 38 does not extend more than 3millimeters beyond (protract from) the suction opening 18 when theejection wire 30 is fully advanced by depression of the ejection button34.

Preferably, the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 is provided in asterile packaging for use in a surgical environment. The packaging mayinclude vacuum packaging of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10, orany or all of the components thereof, in a sterile manner. The sterilepackaging in which the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 is provided isopened by sterile technique in the surgical environment, and theanti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 is removed from the packaging andplaced on a sterile table to await use by a surgeon or surgicalassistant. A hose attached to a suction source is secured to the hoseattachment portion 20. Upon activation of the suction source, a vacuumis produced within the suction tip 16, enabling the suction tip 16 to beused for removing biological debris, such as blood, tissue, and thelike, from the operation site.

During the course of use, it is believed that the suction tip 16 islikely to become clogged with biological debris. Immediate ejection ofthe debris is oftentimes necessary in the surgical environment. Toremove unwanted debris from the suction tip 16, the user applies forceto the ejection button 34, causing the ejection wire 30 to advancewithin the ejection wire conduit 24 through the wire exit opening 28 andinto the suction channel 17 within the suction tip 16, thereby expellingthrough the suction opening 18 any debris that may be clogged in thesuction tip 16. Some debris that is dislodges also may be suctionedthrough the suction tip 16. To retract the ejection wire 30, the userremoves the applied force from the ejection button 34. The biasingspring 36 causes the ejection button 34 to return to its initialposition, thus retracting the ejection wire 30. When retracted, theejection wire 30, and in particular the ball tip 38, is retained withinthe ejection wire channel 25 and does not obstruct normal suctioning ofthe debris during use of the apparatus 10.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the anti-clog suction tipapparatus 10 is intended to be disposed after a single surgical use.After use, the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 10 will includebiological and potentially hazardous debris, and thus, should bedisposed according to any applicable HAZMAT protocol.

In at least one preferred embodiment, a secondary wire is supplied to beinserted into the suction tip 16 through the suction opening 18 to morecompletely clear debris if the ejection wire 30 is unable to completelyexpel the debris. It is further contemplated that alternative ejectionwires may be included that have different sizes, dimensions, and tipprofiles, and that have wires of different diameters and differentrigidity characteristics. Section of a particular ejection wire can bemade in accordance with surgeon preference.

As previously mentioned, the ejection wire assembly 14 is shown securedto the suction tip assembly 12 to for the apparatus 10, and is disposedin a retracted position, in FIG. 1. In contrast, the ejection wireassembly 14 is shown deployed in an advanced position in FIG. 2. FIGS.6a and 6b are side views of the ejection wire assembly 14 wherein theejection wire assembly 14 in a retracted position in FIG. 6a and in anadvanced position in FIG. 6 b.

Additional preferred embodiments of anti-clog suction tip apparatus inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention are shown in theremaining figures. In particular, FIGS. 7-16 show views of anotheranti-clog suction tip apparatus and components in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention; FIGS. 17-30 show views of anotheranti-clog suction tip apparatus and components in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention; FIGS. 30-48 show views of anotheranti-clog suction tip apparatus and components in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention; FIG. 49 shows bodies three of theanti-clog suction tip apparatus of FIGS. 7-48; and FIG. 50-60 show viewsof another anti-clog suction tip apparatus and components in accordancewith one or more aspects of the invention.

With reference first to FIGS. 7-16, FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrationof a side view of a preferred anti-clog suction tip apparatus 310 inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention. Various componentsof the anti-clog suction tip apparatus 310 of FIG. 7 are shown in FIGS.8-16. The apparatus 310 includes a slider 312, springs 314, stylet 316,screw cap 318, conversion tip 320, and body 322. The slider 312, spring314, stylet 316, a screw cap 318, and conversion tip 320 are intended tobe disposable after use in a single operation. The body 322 is intendedto be autoclaved and, thus, available for use in multiple operations.The body 322 includes a forward end portion 324 and back end portion326. A suction neck 333 and a stylet neck 335 generally coextend fromthe body 322, with a vacuum passage extending through the suction neck333 to the tip 320, and with a stylet passage extending through thestylet neck 335 to the tip 320. It will be appreciated that the ventralside of the suction neck 333 abuts the dorsal side of the stylet neck335. A side cross-sectional view of the body 322 is shown in FIG. 8,which reveals the suction passage 328 and stylet passage 330 that extendthrough the body 322. A top view of the body 322 and slider mechanism312 is shown in FIG. 9. The stylet 316 and screw cap 318 are shown inFIG. 10. The slider mechanism 312, which includes two parallel postswith springs, is shown in FIG. 11 from a side thereof, and is shown inFIG. 12 from the back looking forward. Similarly, the slider mechanism312 is shown in FIG. 13 from a side thereof, wherein the stylet 316 andscrew cap 318 have been attached in threading engagement therewith, andalso is shown in FIG. 14 from the back looking forward.

Steps for inserting the stylet and screw cap and otherwise making theapparatus 310 ready for use are shown in FIGS. 10, 15, and 16. The stepsinclude removing the stylet 316 and the screw cap 318 (preferablypre-attached) from a sterile package (represented by FIG. 10); pushingthe slider mechanism 312 toward the back end portion 326 of the body 322and inserting the stylet 318 through an opening in the slider mechanism312 into the stylet cavity of the body 322 (FIG. 15); and securing thestylet 316 to the slider mechanism 312 by screwing the screw cap 318into threading engagement with the slider mechanism 312 (FIG. 16).

With reference first to FIGS. 17-29, another anti-clog suction tipapparatus 410 is shown in FIG. 17 and various components thereof areshown in FIGS. 18-29. The apparatus 410 includes a slider 412, spring414, stylet 416, tip 420, and body 422 and casing 423. The slider 412,spring 414, stylet 416, and tip 420 are intended to be disposable afteruse in a single operation. The body 422 and casing 423 are intended tobe autoclaved and, thus, available for use in multiple operations. Thebody 422 includes a forward end portion 424 and back end portion 426. Asuction neck 433 and a stylet neck 435 generally coextend from the body422, with a vacuum passage extending through the suction neck 433 to thetip 420, and with a stylet passage extending through the stylet neck 435to the tip 420. It will be appreciated that the ventral side of thesuction neck 433 abuts the dorsal side of the stylet neck 435. A sidecross-sectional view of the tip 420 is shown in FIG. 18, which revealsthe merger of the stylet passage and the suction passage within the tip420; and a side view of the tip 420 is shown in FIG. 19. A top view ofthe body 422 is shown in FIG. 20; and a top view of the body 422 isshown in FIG. 21. The slider 412, spring 414, and stylet 416 are shownin FIG. 22 from the top, and in FIG. 23 from the side. A side view ofthe casing 423 is shown in FIG. 24; and a top view of the casing 423 isshown in FIG. 25. The casing removably attaches to the body 422 and,when the casing 423 is attached, partially surrounds and encases thebody 422.

Steps for installing the disposable components and otherwise making theapparatus 410 ready for use are shown in FIGS. 27-30. The steps includeremoving the slider 412, spring 414, and stylet 416 components from thesterile package shown in FIG. 26, which components come pre-attached asshown in FIG. 27; pivoting the casing 423 downwardly away from the body422 and inserting the stylet 416 into the cavity of the body 422, asshown in FIG. 28; and fitting and sliding the slider 412 over the body422, pushing it forward as shown in FIG. 29; and closing the casing 423back onto the body 422 in snap fit engagement as shown in FIG. 30.

With reference first to FIGS. 31-43, another anti-clog suction tipapparatus 510 is shown in FIG. 31 and various components thereof areshown in FIGS. 32-43. The apparatus 510 includes a slider 512, spring514, stylet 516 with included screw head, tip 520, and body 522. Thestylet 516 and tip 520 are intended to be disposable after use in asingle operation. They stylet 516 is shown in FIG. 43. The slider 512,spring 514, and body 522 are intended to be autoclaved and, thus,available for use in multiple operations. Indeed, these components arepreferably press-fit together at the point of manufacture. The body 522includes a forward end portion 524 and back end portion 526. A casing523 including a handle grip portion is also provided that is removablyattached to the body 522. A suction neck 533 and a stylet neck 535generally coextend from the body 522, with a vacuum passage extendingthrough the suction neck 533 to the tip 520, and with a stylet passageextending through the stylet neck 535 to the tip 520. It will beappreciated that the ventral side of the suction neck 533 abuts thedorsal side of the stylet neck 535. A side cross-sectional view of thetip 520 is shown in FIG. 32, which reveals the merger of the styletpassage and the suction passage within the tip 520; and a side view ofthe tip 520 is shown in FIG. 33. A side view of the body 522 is shown inFIG. 34; and top views of the body 522 are shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. Theslider 512 and spring 514 are shown in FIG. 37 from the top; in FIG. 38from the side; and back view looking forward in FIG. 39. A side view ofthe casing 523 is shown in FIG. 40; and a top view of the casing 523 isshown in FIG. 41. The casing removably attaches to the body 522 and,when the casing 523 is attached, partially surrounds and encases thebody 522 and defines a handle grip for the apparatus 510. A top view ofthe body 522 and casing 523 is shown in FIG. 42.

Steps for installing the disposable components and otherwise making theapparatus 510 ready for use are shown in FIGS. 45-48. The steps includeremoving the stylet 516 with screw head from a sterile package 550(shown in FIG. 44), which step is represented in FIG. 45; inserting thestylet 516 into the cavity of the body 522, as shown in FIG. 46;securing the stylet to the slider by screwing the head of the styletinto a threaded opening of the slider, as represented in FIG. 47; andpushing the slider 512 forward to advance the stylet 516 through thestylet passage and into the suction passage for dislodging debris whenusing the apparatus 510, as represented in FIG. 48.

As represented in FIG. 49, it is contemplated that body 322 is thelargest of the three bodies 322,422,522; body 522 is of relativeintermediate size; and body 422 is the smallest of the three bodies322,422,522.

FIG. 50 schematically illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of ananti-clog suction tip apparatus 610 in accordance with one or moreaspects of the invention, shown being held in hand for use by ahealthcare professional. FIG. 51 schematically illustrates a top view ofthe apparatus 610 of FIG. 50; FIG. 52 schematically illustrates a sideelevational view of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50; FIG. 53 schematicallyillustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50; and FIG.54 schematically illustrates a back elevational view of the apparatus610 of FIG. 50.

Additionally, FIG. 55 schematically illustrates in cross-section a sideelevational view of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50, wherein the ejectionwire assembly is not deployed; and FIG. 56 schematically illustrates anenlarged view of the distal end of the suction tip of the apparatus 610of FIG. 55, showing the location of the tip of the ejection wireassembly received completely within the ejection wire channel. Incontrast, FIG. 57 schematically illustrates in cross-section a sideelevational view of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50, wherein the ejectionwire assembly is deployed; and FIG. 58 schematically illustrates anenlarged view of the distal end of the suction tip of the apparatus 610of FIG. 57, showing the location of the tip of the ejection wireassembly extending from the ejection wire channel, through the suctionchannel, and out of the suction opening.

FIG. 59 schematically illustrates a perspective rear view, incross-section, of the apparatus 610 of FIG. 50. FIG. 60 schematicallyillustrates a perspective front view, in cross-section, of the apparatus610 of FIG. 50.

The anti-clog suction tip apparatus 610 is similar in structure,operation and use to apparatus and methods previously described herein.In this respect, the apparatus 610 includes a ejection wire assemblycomprising an ejection wire 630, an outer member 632, an inner member633, an ejection button 634 (also sometimes referred to as a ‘tab’ or‘slider’), and a biasing spring 636. The ejection wire preferably is asemi-rigid cable and, in apparatus 610, the ejection wire is attached tothe outer member (which slides relative to the inner member 633comprising a fixed shaft). Moreover, the ejection button 634 is part ofthe outer member 632 and, preferably, is injection molded or otherwiseintegrally formed therewith. The ejection wire 630 includes a small balltip 638 at the end thereof to prevent unintended injury during use, aswell as to provide an enlarged end for clearing of the suction channelwhen the ball tip is deployed. When deployed, the ball tip extendsthrough the suction channel 617 and out of the suction opening 618 fordislodging debris. When not deployed, the ball tip rests within theejection wire channel 625.

Most of the components of apparatus 610 preferably are formed fromconventional molding processes from ABS (medical grade) Cycolac HMG94MDresin, or equivalent. The ball tip preferably comprises a plunger ballmade of nylon or stainless steel, preferably includes an openingextending therethrough, and is physically attached by swaging at the endof the ejection wire. The ejection wire preferably is made from 302stainless steel, or equivalent. The overall weight of the apparatus 610preferably is approximately 0.8 ounces.

A perceived advantage of one or more preferred anti-clog suction tipapparatus disclosed herein is the location of the ejection wire assemblyout of a user's line of sight so as not to obstruct the user's viewduring a surgical procedure.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-clog suction tip apparatus, comprising: (a) a suction tip assembly, including (i) a suction tip having a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, (ii) a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and (iii) a channel; and (b) an ejection wire assembly, including (i) an ejection wire disposed within the channel and (ii) an ejection button integral with or attached to the ejection wire; (c) wherein, applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip; (d) wherein the end portion of the ejection wire entering the suction tip expels debris lodged in the suction tip through the suction opening; (e) wherein the ejection wire is inserted into the channel through a wire insertion opening, and (f) wherein the wire insertion opening is threaded.
 2. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ejection wire assembly further comprises an inner member, an outer member at least partially surrounding the inner member, and a biasing spring.
 3. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ejection wire assembly further comprises an inner member, an outer member, and a biasing spring; wherein the outer member is fixed against sliding movement relative to the suction tip; wherein the inner member and ejection wire are connected together for concurrent movement; wherein the ejection button and inner member are connected together for concurrent movement; and wherein the inner member extends through and slides within the outer member.
 4. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 3, wherein the outer member is threaded and screwed into engagement with a body of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus.
 5. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more components of the apparatus are disposable and one or more other components are reusable after autoclaving.
 6. An anti-clog suction tip apparatus, comprising: (a) a suction tip, an interior of the suction tip defining a suction channel for the removal of debris through suction; and (b) an ejection wire assembly removably attachable to the suction tip and transitionable between a retracted position and an advanced position; (c) wherein, in the retracted position, the ejection wire assembly is not disposed within the suction channel; (d) wherein, in the advanced position, the ejection wire assembly is partially disposed within the suction channel; (e) wherein the ejection wire is inserted into the channel through a wire insertion opening; and (f) wherein the wire insertion opening is threaded.
 7. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ejection wire assembly further comprises an inner member, an outer member at least partially surrounding the inner member, and a biasing spring.
 8. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 6, wherein one or more components of the apparatus are disposable and one or more other components are reusable after autoclaving.
 9. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ejection wire assembly further comprises an inner member, an outer member, and a biasing spring; wherein the outer member is fixed against sliding movement relative to the suction tip; and wherein the inner member and ejection wire are connected together for concurrent movement.
 10. The anti-clog suction tip apparatus of claim 9, wherein the outer member is threaded and screwed into engagement with a body of the anti-clog suction tip apparatus. 